President Aquino leads Philippine Navy’s 116th Anniversary in Palawan

From the Office of the President of the Philippines (May 27): President Aquino leads Philippine Navy’s 116th Anniversary in Palawan

President Benigno S. Aquino III hailed the Philippine Navy’s contribution to the country’s defense and security, as he led its 116th anniversary celebration at the Naval Station Carlito Cunanan here Tuesday.

“Nakasalalay sa dagat ang ugnayan ng ating mga kapuluan, at malaki ang papel na inyong ginagampanan dito,” the President said in his speech during the event.

“Kaya naman, nararapat lang na alagaan at bigyang-lakas ng estado kayong mga kawal na siya ring kumakalinga sa buong sambayanan.”

Holding the anniversary celebration in Puerto Princesa is meaningful, he said, noting that the headquarters of the Naval Forces West (NFW) is a major operational command of the Navy that patrols the West Philippine Sea.

The command is at the frontline of the country’s territorial defense operations in the Kalayaan Group of Islands, making it necessary for the government to enhance the facility, he said.

The President indicated that every peso spent in the modernization and improvement of the facility will in turn give the people the peace of mind they want.

He also seized the opportunity to pay tribute to the men and women of the Navy who continue to do their job for the benefit of the people.

“Sa bumubuo ng ating Philippine Navy, tumitindig ako sa harap ninyo ngayon bilang kinatawan ng sambayanang Pilipino na nagsasabing: Maraming, maraming salamat sa bawat isa sa inyo,” he said.

“Muli, isang malugod na pagbati sa ikasandaan at labing-anim na anibersaryo ng Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas.”

This year’s anniversary celebration has the theme, “Protecting Our Territory, Safeguarding Our Future”.

http://president.gov.ph/featured_stories/president-aquino-leads-philippine-navys-116th-anniversary-palawan/